Free Call to Cuba from US — $1.60/min (2026)
Call Cuba free with WhatsApp when internet available. EXTREMELY expensive at $1.60/min. ETECSA monopoly. toDus Cuban app. Country code +53. US embargo affects services.
Calling Cuba costs $1.60/min with BubblyPhone — that's $96 for a full hour. Cuba is one of the most expensive countries to call in the world. The country code is +53. ETECSA is the only telecom carrier — a state monopoly. Internet only became widely available around 2018. Cuba runs on CST (UTC-5).
The US embargo, ETECSA's monopoly, and limited internet infrastructure make calling Cuba uniquely challenging. Here's what actually works.
Extremely Expensive — Read This First
At $1.60/min, BubblyPhone is expensive for Cuba — but Cuba is expensive everywhere. Google Voice doesn't support Cuba calls. Most VoIP services charge $0.80-1.50/min. The ETECSA monopoly keeps termination costs high. Use WhatsApp when possible— it's the only affordable option.
Free: App-to-App Calls
App calls work in Cuba — but internet is expensive for Cubans and coverage is limited.
1. WhatsApp — Most Used When Online
WhatsApp works in Cuba and is widely used when people have internet access. The catch: mobile data is expensive for Cubans, and many only connect when they have WiFi access. Calls may be infrequent or scheduled around WiFi availability.
Reality: Your contact in Cuba may only be online at certain times. Coordinate via text first, then call when they confirm they have connectivity.
2. toDus — Cuban Messaging App
toDusis a Cuban-developed messaging app that works on ETECSA's network. It's optimized for Cuba's limited bandwidth. Many Cubans use it because it works even on slow connections. It supports voice messages but voice calls may be limited.
Note: toDus is primarily used within Cuba. You may need to install it from outside the standard app stores.
3. Facebook Messenger — Growing
Messenger works in Cuba and is growing. Like WhatsApp, it depends on internet access. Some Cubans use it through Facebook Lite to save data.
4. FaceTime — iPhone Users Only
FaceTime works in Cuba if both have iPhones. iPhone ownership is growing among Cubans who receive remittances, but it's still limited compared to cheaper Android phones.
Calling Cuban Phone Numbers
Cuba is expensive to call everywhere — ETECSA's monopoly keeps prices high:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rebtel | $0.79/min | $0.79/min | Plans available for frequent callers |
| BubblyPhone | $1.60/min | $1.60/min | Browser, iOS, Android |
| Google Voice | N/A | N/A | Does not support Cuba |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $3.00-5.00/min | Even more expensive |
Our honest take: Cuba is expensive everywhere. BubblyPhone at $1.60/min is not competitive — Rebtel ($0.79/min) is about half the price. Google Voice doesn't even support Cuba due to US embargo complications. WhatsApp is by far the cheapest option when your contact has internet.
How to Dial Cuba from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 53 + area code + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+53 + area code + number
# Example — calling a Havana landline:
+53 7 123 4567
# Example — calling a Cuban mobile:
+53 5 234 5678
Number Format
- Havana: +53 7 + 7 digits
- Mobiles: +53 5 + 7 digits
- Other cities: Various area codes
- Country code: +53
Carriers & Internet
- ETECSA: Only carrier (state monopoly)
- Mobile internet: Since ~2018
- Data costs: Expensive for locals
- WiFi hotspots: In parks/hotels
- 3G/4G coverage: Growing but limited
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family in Cuba
WhatsApp when they have WiFi or data — free. Schedule calls for when they're connected. If they're not online, Rebtel ($0.79/min) is the most affordable phone-call option.
Calling a business in Havana
Most Cuban businesses have landlines. You'll likely need to dial the number. Rebtel ($0.79/min) or BubblyPhone ($1.60/min). A 10-minute call is $8-16. Spanish is the business language.
US embargo complications
The US embargo affects some services — Google Voice doesn't support Cuba calls. Other services may have restrictions. BubblyPhone and Rebtel both work for Cuba calls.
Tips for Calling Cuba
- Cuba is on CST (UTC-5) — same as Chicago/Central Time. When it's noon in New York, it's 11 AM in Havana
- Internet only became available ~2018 — many Cubans are still adapting to smartphones and data. Older family members may only have landlines
- ETECSA monopoly means high costs — termination rates to Cuba are high regardless of which service you use. The monopoly keeps prices elevated
- toDus app — this Cuban-made messaging app is designed for low-bandwidth connections. Worth installing if you communicate with Cuba regularly
- Data is expensive for Cubans — they may not be able to afford long WhatsApp calls. Text messaging uses less data than voice. Be considerate of their data costs
- Spanish is the primary language — virtually all communication in Cuba is in Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call Cuba for free from the US?
What is the country code for Cuba?
Why is calling Cuba so expensive?
Does Google Voice work for calling Cuba?
What is toDus?
Call Cuba — WhatsApp Free, Phone from $1.60/min
Use WhatsApp when your contact has internet. Need a phone number? BubblyPhone works at $1.60/min — dial +53 from any browser.
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